As the Supreme Court dismisses the plea seeking the disqualification of the Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rasheed.

The petition against the AML chief was filed by Shakeel Awan; a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader who lost the 2013 General Elections against Sheikh Rasheed on the basis of “mis-declaration of assets in nomination papers”. In his petition, the petitioner sought lifetime disqualification for Sheikh Rasheed.

The petitioner’s counsel claimed that in wake of the recent Panama Papers verdict against Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s President Muhammad Nawaz Shareef, and his family, AML chief should be disqualified for misappropriation of assets. On the other hand, the defense asserted that it was merely an error in valuing the assets rather than intentional mis-declaration.

The decision was announced on 13 June, although the verdict had been reserved on March 20th by a three-member bench headed by Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed, and compromising Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah.

Speaking to the media on the verdict, Sheikh Rasheed thanked the God for bestowing him with respect. On the other hand, the PML-N leader told the journalists he would continue to knock the doors of courts to seek justice.

Following the disqualification, the former Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that AML Chief Sheikh Rasheed’s career should end on a political ground, and also that he does not support the ouster of politicians.

While speaking to the media, the AML chief also took a jibe on Nawaz Shareef saying that even if the verdict was against him, he would have accepted as he is not Nawaz.

On the other hand, PML-N supporters questioned the decision as it seems rather unfair considering Nawaz Shareef was disqualified for life for not receiving a salary, while Sheikh Rasheed was cleared for deliberately concealing assets.

Sheikh Rasheed will be contesting in the General Elections 2018 from NA-60, and NA-62.